As part of recognizing World Mental Health Day, taking place on Monday, Oct. 10, REACH Niagara is asking for the community’s continued support to provide mental health services and addiction support to those experiencing homelessness in the region.
There are more than 50,000 individuals living below the low-income measure in Niagara on any given day. The social and economic inequalities often faced by these people present significant barriers to accessing mental healthcare. REACH Niagara is helping to remove these barriers by bringing care to where the need exists in shelters across the region, as well as on the Mobile Health Clinic.
By strengthening healthcare services for the vulnerable populations in our region, we can build resilient communities, making them a friendlier place for all.
Since launching in 2018, REACH Niagara has had more than 4,500 patient interactions with more than 750 clients, many of whom face mental health challenges. This work has positive outcomes throughout the community, treating those who may otherwise not have received care.
“It is by working together with community organizations and members that this work can continue,” says David van Velzen, REACH Niagara Executive Director. “This is done through monetary donations, as well as medical equipment and supply donations, community partnerships, and the volunteering of healthcare or other relevant services. We appreciate the ongoing support that the Niagara community provides, helping us to expand our reach.”
In addition to mental healthcare and addiction support, REACH Niagara provides trauma-informed, primary medical treatments, including wound care, vaccinations, and the treatment of chronic conditions, as well as collaborating with partners to provide additional services such as pharmacy, dental care, foot care and trauma counselling.
Those interested are encouraged to visit the REACH Niagara website (reachniagara.com) or contact the organization by email at info@reachniagara.com.
Supporting REACH Niagara
If you are a healthcare provider wanting to make a difference in your community by working with REACH, please contact info@reachniagara.com.
If you are a community member, you can make an impact in a number of ways:
- Sign up for our email list: https://bit.ly/3mD2c2d
- Make a donation: https://bit.ly/3llym1g
- Become a community partner: info@reachniagara.com
About World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is marked every year on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health around the world and to mobilize efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues. Every year since 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) has organized a global campaign for World Mental Health Day. The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) announced the theme for World Mental Health Day 2022, which is ‘Make mental health for all a global priority”.
About REACH Niagara
REACH Niagara works with and operates primary care medical clinics staffed by healthcare professionals. They primarily serve people who do not have a regular family doctor, or who cannot see their doctor, with a goal to put healthcare within REACH for the homeless and marginalized in Niagara. They connect people with local family practices or Community Health Centres, mental health services, required specialist services, foot care, wound care and dental assessments. Their initial “Out REACH” began with the establishment of 2 clinics in St. Catharines shelters with regular schedule times for patient drop-ins. REACH represents a new and growing collaborative between primary care, key stakeholders across the health and social care sectors, people with lived experience, and several academic institutions, including McMaster University, Brock University, University of Waterloo & Niagara College.